Pugh: We've got to keep on pushing

Iron midfielder Tom Pugh is hoping the side can build on their Boxing Day victory over Oldham Athletic.

The 21-year-old was part of the side that overturned a 1-0 deficit to record victory for the first time since November 2019, with a second half brace from Ryan Loft and a fourth of the season from Myles Hippolyte giving United fans a late Christmas present.

The win extends the unbeaten run to five games, with first team manager Keith Hill registering his first victory since taking charge of the team.

Reflecting on the game to iFollow Iron, Pugh said: “It was a well-needed three points. It was a six-pointer, and we knew a win would put us above Oldham.

“I think, as a team, we’ve deserved it. We’ve been getting the one points on the board, but it was a well-deserved three points.

“Without a doubt, it has been coming. We’ve only lost one in seven. Obviously, we look to start racking them up now.”

That result not only took the Iron off the foot of the table, but also out of the two relegation places on goals scored until Wednesday night when Stevenage recorded a goalless draw at Swindon.

Carlisle United arrive at the Sands Venue Stadium for the first fixture of 2022, with a win guaranteeing Scunthorpe will leapfrog their Cumbrian opponents, and certainly climbing them out of the bottom two once more.

“They’re just above us on a similar points total,” he continued.

“All we can do is come here, give it all we’ve got and try to get another three points. You can’t go wrong by getting six points in a week, especially with the situation we’re in now. 

“It’s always a confidence boost getting three points, and especially with it taking us off the bottom, I think it’s what we’ve deserved after the last few weeks. We’ve got to keep on pushing, as we’ve got a big second half of the season.”

Pugh has been playing in the heart of midfield with Jai Rowe, who has recently converted from his defensive roles to take on the new position.

Speaking about their partnership in those games, Pugh added: “Because we’re good mates, we do have a laugh about it. The last few games he’s played in there, he’s done the job. He’s won balls in midfield, he’s won his headers, and you can’t really ask for much more in that position.

“To be fair, I’ve spoken to him about the position as he’s not played there before. Personally, I’ve spoken to him about a few things he could do.”

See much more from Tom Pugh and Jai Rowe on iFollow Iron.